US20070164018A1 - Dielectric welding methods - Google Patents
Dielectric welding methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20070164018A1 US20070164018A1 US11/685,692 US68569207A US2007164018A1 US 20070164018 A1 US20070164018 A1 US 20070164018A1 US 68569207 A US68569207 A US 68569207A US 2007164018 A1 US2007164018 A1 US 2007164018A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/04—Dielectric heating, e.g. high-frequency welding, i.e. radio frequency welding of plastic materials having dielectric properties, e.g. PVC
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K11/00—Resistance welding; Severing by resistance heating
- B23K11/002—Resistance welding; Severing by resistance heating specially adapted for particular articles or work
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K11/00—Resistance welding; Severing by resistance heating
- B23K11/08—Seam welding not restricted to one of the preceding subgroups
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8126—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/81262—Electrical and dielectric properties, e.g. electrical conductivity
- B29C66/81263—Dielectric properties
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
- B29C66/81431—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined comprising a single cavity, e.g. a groove
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
- B29C66/81433—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined being toothed, i.e. comprising several teeth or pins, or being patterned
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
- B29C66/8187—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the electrical insulating constructional aspects
- B29C66/81871—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the electrical insulating constructional aspects of the welding jaws
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2101/00—Articles made by soldering, welding or cutting
- B23K2101/18—Sheet panels
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
- B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
- B29C66/45—Joining of substantially the whole surface of the articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8122—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
- B29C66/81411—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat
- B29C66/81421—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave
- B29C66/81423—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave being concave
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
- B29C66/824—Actuating mechanisms
- B29C66/8242—Pneumatic or hydraulic drives
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2023/04—Polymers of ethylene
- B29K2023/08—Copolymers of ethylene
- B29K2023/083—EVA, i.e. ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2027/00—Use of polyvinylhalogenides or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2027/06—PVC, i.e. polyvinylchloride
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2075/00—Use of PU, i.e. polyureas or polyurethanes or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2305/00—Use of metals, their alloys or their compounds, as reinforcement
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0003—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
- B29K2995/0005—Conductive
Definitions
- Dielectric welding also known as capacitance, radio-frequency, or high frequency welding, provides a way to fuse materials together.
- the resulting weld can be as strong as the original workpiece materials.
- Dielectric welding is commonly used for joining various plastic materials together.
- an alternating electrical field (typically alternating at a high frequency) is applied across an area to be welded. This is typically done by applying a signal between electrodes. The signal creates a varying, high-frequency electromagnetic field.
- a material which is a poor electrical conductor is exposed to such a field, heat is generated in the material. The heat results from electrical losses that occur in the material. The heat deposited in the material causes the temperature of the material to rise. The heated materials become fused together.
- a typical dielectric welding apparatus places materials to be joined between two electrodes, which are typically metal plates or bars.
- the electrodes are connected to an oscillator.
- the oscillator is turned on to heat the materials, which fuse together when they have been heated sufficiently.
- the electrodes may hold the materials together during heating and cooling.
- ECM electrospray forming a dielectric material
- a problem is that ECM in the vicinity of the electrodes of a dielectric welder can cause electrical discharges in the form of arcs or sparks. Such electrical discharges can damage the product being made, the welding apparatus and/or the dielectric welder itself. Electrical arcing can be dangerous to machines and humans.
- the invention relates to methods and apparatus for welding plastic materials membranes together in the vicinity of electrically conductive materials.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a dielectric welding apparatus
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing first and second electrode assemblies
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the electrode assemblies of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of one of the electrode assemblies of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view (in the plane A-A of FIG. 4 ) of the electrode assembly of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of the other one of the electrode assemblies of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a buffer member;
- FIG. 6A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 6B is a section in the plane A-A thereof; and
- FIG. 6C is a section in the plane B-B thereof;
- FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a part of an electrode assembly
- FIG. 7A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 7B is a section in the plane C-C thereof; and
- FIG. 7C is a section in the plane D-D thereof;
- FIG. 8 is an isometric view the electrode assembly of FIG. 7 holding a product to be welded with a top membrane removed for clarity;
- FIG. 8A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 8B is a section in the plane E-E thereof; and
- FIG. 8C is a section in the plane F-F thereof;
- FIG. 9 is an isometric view the electrode assembly of FIG. 8 with the top membrane of the product in place to be welded;
- FIG. 9A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 9B is a section in the plane G-G thereof; and
- FIG. 9C is a section in the plane H-H thereof;
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view the electrode assembly of FIG. 9 showing electrodes, but not a buffer portion, of a top electrode assembly;
- FIG. 10A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 10B is a section in the plane I-I thereof; and
- FIG. 10C is a section in the plane J-J thereof;
- FIG. 11 is an isometric view the electrode assembly of FIG. 10 showing the buffer portion of the top electrode assembly;
- FIG. 11A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 11B is a section in the plane K-K thereof; and
- FIG. 11C is a section in the plane L-L thereof;
- FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the top electrode assembly portion shown in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 12A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 12B is a section in the plane M-M thereof; and
- FIG. 12C is a section in the plane N-N thereof; and,
- FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the top electrode assembly portion shown in FIG. 11 supporting a top membrane of a product;
- FIG. 13A is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 13B is a section in the plane O-O thereof; and
- FIG. 13C is a section in the plane P-P thereof.
- the membranes are made of a plastic material which is suitable for dielectric welding. However, one or both of the membranes has attached to it, or embedded in it, one or more electrically conductive elements (ECM).
- ECM electrically conductive elements
- the ECM may, for example, be metal parts. The ECM may be exposed. If the one or more ECM is near to a location in which it is desired to weld the membranes together then the presence of the one or more ECM may interfere with dielectric welding of the membranes together using conventional methods.
- Electrode structures for dielectric welding may have integrated insulating barriers located so that the insulating barriers will be interposed between electrodes of the electrode structures and the ECMs when the electrodes are in position to make a weld.
- the electrode structures include one or more electrodes arranged in a pattern corresponding to a desired weld pattern.
- the electrodes may be made of any suitable electrically conducting materials. Aluminum, brass, and copper are examples of materials from which electrodes may be fabricated.
- the electrodes may be fabricated using any suitable process. For example, the electrodes may be machined, assembled from component parts, cast, etc.
- Buffers are located between the electrodes.
- the buffers are made of electrically insulating materials.
- the buffers are hollowed out to receive projecting portions of one or more ECMs. In some embodiments the buffers fill the spaces between the electrodes.
- the buffers may be made from any of a wide variety of suitable materials. Examples of materials suitable for use as buffers include: electrically non-conductive ceramic materials, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, silicone, and combinations of these materials.
- the buffers may be made using any suitable manufacturing processes. For example, the buffers may be machined or otherwise formed from solid materials or cast. A castable polyurethane or silicone may be used to cast all or part of the buffers.
- the buffers may be partially cast and partially made from solid materials. In preferred embodiments, the buffers have dielectric strengths at least 2 times greater than a dielectric strength of air in a range of frequencies of a high frequency welding current to be used.
- FIG. 1 shows schematically a dielectric welding apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Apparatus 10 includes first and second electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B. Electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B are disposed on either side of a product 14 comprising plastic materials, typically membranes 16 , to be welded together and one or more ECMs 18 .
- First and second electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B each have a face 13 facing toward the other electrode assembly.
- Apparatus 10 comprises a frame 11 .
- First electrode assembly 12 A is supported by frame 11 and is movable toward and away from second electrode assembly 12 B to permit product 14 to be compressed between electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B.
- electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B can be pressed together with a desired force by a mechanical linkage mechanism, a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism, an electrically controlled actuator or some other suitable pressing means.
- Electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B may be supported by any suitable mechanisms which maintain registration between electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B.
- frame 11 may be the frame of a conventional dielectric welding machine, for example.
- First electrode assembly 12 A is mounted to a first platen 19 A.
- Second electrode assembly 12 B is mounted to a second platen 19 B.
- Either or both of the platens are movable to achieve placement of products to be welded and removal of welded products.
- Apparatus 10 supports the compression, welding, and cool down phases of dielectric welding. As the basic operation and constructions of dielectric welding machines are understood by those skilled in the art, features known from conventional dielectric welding apparatus are not described in detail herein.
- First and second electrode assemblies are each connected to a dielectric welding power supply 20 .
- the first and second electrode assemblies are in electrical contact with power supply 20 by way of electrical contact between their bases (or non-welding sides) and the corresponding platens 19 A, 19 B.
- apparatus 10 may be constructed and operated in substantially the same manner as an existing dielectric welding machine. In operation:
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing first and second electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B according to an example embodiment of the invention.
- Each electrode assembly 12 A and 12 B has one or more electrodes 30 .
- Electrodes 30 of first electrode assembly 12 A are arranged as a mirror image of electrodes 30 of second electrode assembly 12 B.
- first and second electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B are brought together face-to-face the electrodes 30 of electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B follow one another.
- Electrodes 30 of first and second electrode assemblies 12 A and 12 B are directly opposed to one another on either side of product 14 .
- the pattern of electrodes 30 defines the pattern of locations at which membranes 16 will be welded together.
- electrodes 30 include a peripheral electrode 30 A which welds a peripheral seam on product 14 , internal electrodes 30 B which define a pattern of welds in the interiors of products 14 , and electrodes 30 C which make spot welds on product 14 .
- electrodes 30 A and 30 B are linear electrodes and electrodes 30 C are isolated spots. All of the electrodes are electrically connected to an electrically conducting base 33 .
- bases 33 are in electrical contact with the platens and thereby establish electrical contact between the welding power source 20 , which is connected to the platens, and electrodes 30 .
- buffer areas 32 are composed of a cast material 32 cast between electrodes 30 .
- Buffer areas 32 have recesses 34 to receive the projecting parts of ECMs 18 .
- Recesses 34 may be shaped to substantially conform with the shapes of the projecting parts of ECMs 18 . Different ones of recesses 34 may have different shapes and configurations.
- buffers 32 fill the space between electrodes 30 .
- Buffers 32 are flush with the tops of electrodes 30 .
- Buffers 32 provide barriers 33 of electrically insulating material between recesses 34 and electrodes 30 .
- first and second electrode assemblies When first and second electrode assemblies are brought together on either side of product 14 , the embedded and projecting ECMs 18 are seated in features 34 . This insulates ECMs 18 from electrodes 30 .
- Features 34 can also support, locate, and align ECMs 18 in relation to one another and the membranes 16 to be welded.
- Buffer areas 32 may optionally contain features to pre-form, locate and pre-align membranes 16 to be welded. Such features may include electrical-mechanical devices and or intermittent differential air pressures or vacuums.
- Buffer areas 32 may contain features to assist the ejection and removal of welded membranes with embedded ECM from the major components of the device. Such features could be implemented, for example, by providing electrical-mechanical devices and or intermittent differential air pressures or vacuums.
- FIGS. 6 through 13 C are more detailed views of portions of example first and second electrode assemblies which cooperate to make a weld.
- FIG. 6 shows a section of buffer material 32 which extends between a pair of electrodes 30 in an electrode assembly 12 B as shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 7 shows only a part of electrode assembly 12 B.
- Electrode assembly 12 B cooperates with another electrode assembly 12 A as shown in FIG. 11 .
- electrodes 30 of electrode assembly 12 A overlie and are aligned with electrodes 30 of electrode assembly 12 B.
- an ECM 18 is received in recess 34 of electrode assembly 12 B.
- ECM 18 is attached to a first membrane 16 B of a weldable plastic material.
- Recess 34 is shaped to generally correspond to the shape of the end of ECM 18 which projects from membrane 16 B on the side toward electrode assembly 12 B.
- a component e.g. a member, part, assembly, device, circuit, etc.
- reference to that component should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Abstract
Dielectric welding apparatus has opposed electrodes that can be engaged on either side of a product to be welded and a dielectric welding power supply that supplies welding potentials to the electrodes. The apparatus includes electrically insulating buffer material adjacent to at least one of the electrodes. A recess formed in a surface of the buffer material receives an end of an electrically-conductive member in the product. The buffer material prevents arcing between the electrodes and the electrically-conductive member.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/128,277 filed on 13 May 2005 and entitled DIELECTRIC WELDING METHODS AND APPARATUS which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/570,817 filed on 14 May 2004 and entitled DIELECTRIC WELDING METHODS AND APPARATUS which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The invention relates to methods and apparatus for welding dielectric materials such as plastics. Some embodiments of the invention relate to welding using electromagnetic signals (e.g. radiofrequency signals). The invention may be applied to welding plastic membranes together in the presence of metals or other exposed electrically conductive materials (hereinafter referred to as ECM). The invention has broad application for manufacturing products which include welded plastic membranes that have ECM near to the weld locations.
- Dielectric welding, also known as capacitance, radio-frequency, or high frequency welding, provides a way to fuse materials together. The resulting weld can be as strong as the original workpiece materials. Dielectric welding is commonly used for joining various plastic materials together.
- In dielectric welding, an alternating electrical field (typically alternating at a high frequency) is applied across an area to be welded. This is typically done by applying a signal between electrodes. The signal creates a varying, high-frequency electromagnetic field. When a material which is a poor electrical conductor is exposed to such a field, heat is generated in the material. The heat results from electrical losses that occur in the material. The heat deposited in the material causes the temperature of the material to rise. The heated materials become fused together.
- Dielectric welding relies on certain properties of the material in the parts being welded, for example, the geometry and dipole moments of molecules of the material, to cause the generation of heat in a rapidly alternating electromagnetic field. Not all materials can be dielectric welded. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly welded by dielectric welding. Other thermoplastics that can be dielectric welded are EVA and polyurethanes.
- A typical dielectric welding apparatus places materials to be joined between two electrodes, which are typically metal plates or bars. The electrodes are connected to an oscillator. The oscillator is turned on to heat the materials, which fuse together when they have been heated sufficiently. The electrodes may hold the materials together during heating and cooling.
- There are situations where it is desirable to make products which have ECM, e.g. metal components, embedded in or attached to one or more membranes or other parts of a dielectric material which are to be welded together. A problem is that ECM in the vicinity of the electrodes of a dielectric welder can cause electrical discharges in the form of arcs or sparks. Such electrical discharges can damage the product being made, the welding apparatus and/or the dielectric welder itself. Electrical arcing can be dangerous to machines and humans.
- It is not always possible or convenient to add ECM after welding has been completed. There is a need for methods and apparatus which may be used to perform dielectric welding in the vicinity of ECM.
- The invention relates to methods and apparatus for welding plastic materials membranes together in the vicinity of electrically conductive materials.
- Various aspects of the invention and features of specific embodiments of the invention are described below.
- In drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention,
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a dielectric welding apparatus; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing first and second electrode assemblies; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the electrode assemblies ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of one of the electrode assemblies ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view (in the plane A-A ofFIG. 4 ) of the electrode assembly ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the electrode assembly ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the other one of the electrode assemblies ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a buffer member;FIG. 6A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 6B is a section in the plane A-A thereof; andFIG. 6C is a section in the plane B-B thereof; -
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a part of an electrode assembly; -
FIG. 7A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 7B is a section in the plane C-C thereof; andFIG. 7C is a section in the plane D-D thereof; -
FIG. 8 is an isometric view the electrode assembly ofFIG. 7 holding a product to be welded with a top membrane removed for clarity;FIG. 8A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 8B is a section in the plane E-E thereof; andFIG. 8C is a section in the plane F-F thereof; -
FIG. 9 is an isometric view the electrode assembly ofFIG. 8 with the top membrane of the product in place to be welded;FIG. 9A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 9B is a section in the plane G-G thereof; andFIG. 9C is a section in the plane H-H thereof; -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view the electrode assembly ofFIG. 9 showing electrodes, but not a buffer portion, of a top electrode assembly;FIG. 10A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 10B is a section in the plane I-I thereof; andFIG. 10C is a section in the plane J-J thereof; -
FIG. 11 is an isometric view the electrode assembly ofFIG. 10 showing the buffer portion of the top electrode assembly;FIG. 11A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 11B is a section in the plane K-K thereof; andFIG. 11C is a section in the plane L-L thereof; -
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the top electrode assembly portion shown inFIG. 11 ;FIG. 12A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 12B is a section in the plane M-M thereof; andFIG. 12C is a section in the plane N-N thereof; and, -
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the top electrode assembly portion shown inFIG. 11 supporting a top membrane of a product;FIG. 13A is a top plan view thereof;FIG. 13B is a section in the plane O-O thereof; andFIG. 13C is a section in the plane P-P thereof. - Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
- Consider the case where one wishes to create a pattern of welds joining a pair of membranes. The membranes are made of a plastic material which is suitable for dielectric welding. However, one or both of the membranes has attached to it, or embedded in it, one or more electrically conductive elements (ECM). The ECM may, for example, be metal parts. The ECM may be exposed. If the one or more ECM is near to a location in which it is desired to weld the membranes together then the presence of the one or more ECM may interfere with dielectric welding of the membranes together using conventional methods.
- Welding methods and apparatus can interpose an electrically insulating barrier between ECM in a product being fabricated and the electrodes of a dielectric welder. Provision of an electrically insulating barrier supports welding non-conductive membranes in close proximity to ECMs.
- Electrode structures for dielectric welding may have integrated insulating barriers located so that the insulating barriers will be interposed between electrodes of the electrode structures and the ECMs when the electrodes are in position to make a weld. In some embodiments, the electrode structures include one or more electrodes arranged in a pattern corresponding to a desired weld pattern.
- The electrodes may be made of any suitable electrically conducting materials. Aluminum, brass, and copper are examples of materials from which electrodes may be fabricated. The electrodes may be fabricated using any suitable process. For example, the electrodes may be machined, assembled from component parts, cast, etc.
- Buffers are located between the electrodes. The buffers are made of electrically insulating materials. The buffers are hollowed out to receive projecting portions of one or more ECMs. In some embodiments the buffers fill the spaces between the electrodes.
- The buffers may be made from any of a wide variety of suitable materials. Examples of materials suitable for use as buffers include: electrically non-conductive ceramic materials, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, silicone, and combinations of these materials. The buffers may be made using any suitable manufacturing processes. For example, the buffers may be machined or otherwise formed from solid materials or cast. A castable polyurethane or silicone may be used to cast all or part of the buffers. The buffers may be partially cast and partially made from solid materials. In preferred embodiments, the buffers have dielectric strengths at least 2 times greater than a dielectric strength of air in a range of frequencies of a high frequency welding current to be used.
-
FIG. 1 shows schematically adielectric welding apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.Apparatus 10 includes first andsecond electrode assemblies Electrode assemblies product 14 comprising plastic materials, typically membranes 16, to be welded together and one ormore ECMs 18. First andsecond electrode assemblies face 13 facing toward the other electrode assembly. -
Apparatus 10 comprises aframe 11.First electrode assembly 12A is supported byframe 11 and is movable toward and away fromsecond electrode assembly 12B to permitproduct 14 to be compressed betweenelectrode assemblies electrode assemblies Electrode assemblies electrode assemblies - In the illustrated embodiment,
frame 11 may be the frame of a conventional dielectric welding machine, for example.First electrode assembly 12A is mounted to afirst platen 19A.Second electrode assembly 12B is mounted to asecond platen 19B. Either or both of the platens are movable to achieve placement of products to be welded and removal of welded products.Apparatus 10 supports the compression, welding, and cool down phases of dielectric welding. As the basic operation and constructions of dielectric welding machines are understood by those skilled in the art, features known from conventional dielectric welding apparatus are not described in detail herein. - First and second electrode assemblies are each connected to a dielectric
welding power supply 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second electrode assemblies are in electrical contact withpower supply 20 by way of electrical contact between their bases (or non-welding sides) and thecorresponding platens apparatus 10 may be constructed and operated in substantially the same manner as an existing dielectric welding machine. In operation: -
-
product 14 is compressed between first andsecond electrode assemblies -
power supply 20 is operated to supply high frequency dielectric welding current to first andsecond electrode assemblies - after sheets 16 have had an opportunity to fuse together at the weld locations, the high frequency current is discontinued and, optionally after a cooling interval, first and second electrode assemblies are separated to allow the welded
product 14 to be removed.
-
-
FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing first andsecond electrode assemblies electrode assembly more electrodes 30.Electrodes 30 offirst electrode assembly 12A are arranged as a mirror image ofelectrodes 30 ofsecond electrode assembly 12B. When first andsecond electrode assemblies electrodes 30 ofelectrode assemblies Electrodes 30 of first andsecond electrode assemblies product 14. The pattern ofelectrodes 30 defines the pattern of locations at which membranes 16 will be welded together. - In the illustrated embodiment,
electrodes 30 include aperipheral electrode 30A which welds a peripheral seam onproduct 14,internal electrodes 30B which define a pattern of welds in the interiors ofproducts 14, andelectrodes 30C which make spot welds onproduct 14. In the illustrated embodiment,electrodes electrodes 30C are isolated spots. All of the electrodes are electrically connected to an electrically conductingbase 33. When first andsecond electrode assemblies corresponding platens bases 33 are in electrical contact with the platens and thereby establish electrical contact between thewelding power source 20, which is connected to the platens, andelectrodes 30. - The spaces between
electrodes 30 are filled withbuffer areas 32. In the illustrated embodiment,buffer areas 32 are composed of acast material 32 cast betweenelectrodes 30. -
Buffer areas 32 haverecesses 34 to receive the projecting parts ofECMs 18.Recesses 34 may be shaped to substantially conform with the shapes of the projecting parts ofECMs 18. Different ones ofrecesses 34 may have different shapes and configurations. - As shown best in
FIG. 4A , buffers 32 fill the space betweenelectrodes 30.Buffers 32 are flush with the tops ofelectrodes 30.Buffers 32 providebarriers 33 of electrically insulating material betweenrecesses 34 andelectrodes 30. - When first and second electrode assemblies are brought together on either side of
product 14, the embedded and projectingECMs 18 are seated infeatures 34. This insulatesECMs 18 fromelectrodes 30.Features 34 can also support, locate, and alignECMs 18 in relation to one another and the membranes 16 to be welded. -
Buffer areas 32 may optionally contain features to pre-form, locate and pre-align membranes 16 to be welded. Such features may include electrical-mechanical devices and or intermittent differential air pressures or vacuums. -
Buffer areas 32 may contain features to assist the ejection and removal of welded membranes with embedded ECM from the major components of the device. Such features could be implemented, for example, by providing electrical-mechanical devices and or intermittent differential air pressures or vacuums. -
FIGS. 6 through 13 C are more detailed views of portions of example first and second electrode assemblies which cooperate to make a weld. -
FIG. 6 shows a section ofbuffer material 32 which extends between a pair ofelectrodes 30 in anelectrode assembly 12B as shown inFIG. 7 .FIG. 7 shows only a part ofelectrode assembly 12B.Electrode assembly 12B cooperates with anotherelectrode assembly 12A as shown inFIG. 11 . Whenelectrode assemblies product 14,electrodes 30 ofelectrode assembly 12A overlie and are aligned withelectrodes 30 ofelectrode assembly 12B. - As shown in
FIGS. 8 through 11 C, anECM 18 is received inrecess 34 ofelectrode assembly 12B.ECM 18 is attached to afirst membrane 16B of a weldable plastic material.Recess 34 is shaped to generally correspond to the shape of the end ofECM 18 which projects frommembrane 16B on the side towardelectrode assembly 12B. - As shown in
FIGS. 9 through 11 C, asecond membrane 16A ofproduct 14 is curved away frommembrane 16B to provide atubular passage 37 inproduct 14. Thebuffer 32 offirst electrode assembly 12A is cut away to form agroove 38 which accommodates and shapessecond membrane 16A. Vacuum ports (not shown) may be provided inbuffer 32 ofsecond electrode assembly 12A to pullsecond membrane 16A into and against the contours ofgroove 38 prior to welding. After welding, the end ofECM 18 which is closest tofirst electrode assembly 12A is located withinpassage 37. - Applying a high frequency alternating welding current between
electrodes 30 offirst electrode assembly 12A andsecond electrode assembly 12B causesmembranes FIG. 11B ). - Where a component (e.g. a member, part, assembly, device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
- As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example:
-
-
Buffers 32 are not necessarily present in areas away from ECMs. -
Buffers 32 are present in only one of first and second electrode assemblies in some embodiments of the invention. - The widths of
electrodes 30 may be varied. -
Electrodes 30 may be arranged to form any suitable pattern. - A welding power supply may be connected directly to
electrodes 30 orbases 33 instead of indirectly by way ofplatens
-
- While a number of example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true scope.
Claims (20)
1. A method for dielectric welding of a product comprising first and second layers and an electrically-conductive member attached to at least the first layer, the method comprising:
providing a first electrode;
placing the first layer adjacent to the first electrode with the electrically-conductive member projecting into a recess in a buffer material adjacent to the first electrode and the second layer adjacent to the first layer on its side away from the first electrode;
compressing the first and second layers between the first electrode and a second electrode complementary to the first electrode;
applying a high frequency welding potential between the first and second electrodes for a time sufficient to cause the first and second layers to fuse in their portions between the first and second electrodes.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the electrodes is in an electrode assembly having a recessed portion that is recessed away from the other one of the electrodes and the method comprises urging one of the layers of the product into the at least one recessed portion.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein urging the layer of the product into the at least one recessed portion comprises applying suction to the recessed portion.
4. A method according to claim 1 comprising fusing the first and second layers along one or more linear lines of welding.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrically-conductive member is one of a plurality of electrically-conductive members and the method compresses receiving each of the plurality of electrically-conductive members in a corresponding recess in the buffer material.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the electrically-conducting members are arranged in an array and the corresponding recesses are arranged in a corresponding array.
7. A method according to claim 6 comprising fusing the first and second layers along a seam extending around the array of electrically-conducting members.
8. A method according to claim 1 comprising fusing the first and second layers along a seam extending around the electrically-conducting member.
9. A method according to claim 1 comprising, after applying the welding potential, waiting for a cooling interval and then separating the first and second electrodes.
10. A method according to claim 1 comprising fusing the first and second layers at one or more isolated spots.
11. A method according to claim 10 comprising fusing the first and second layers along a peripheral seam extending around the electrically-conductive member and the one or more isolated spots.
12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrically-conductive member is one of a plurality of electrically-conductive members of the product and the method compresses seating each of the plurality of electrically-conductive members in a corresponding recess in the buffer material before compressing the first and second layers.
13. A method according to claim 1 comprising urging one of the first and second layers into a groove in the buffer material to provide a passage in the product.
14. A method according to claim 13 wherein one end of the electrically-conductive member is in the passage.
15. A method according to claim 13 wherein urging the one of the first and second layers into the groove comprises applying suction to the groove.
16. A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrically-conductive member penetrates one of the first and second layers.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein one end of the electrically-conductive member is between the first and second layers during compressing the first and second layers.
18. A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrically-conductive member projects into both the recess in the buffer material adjacent to the first electrode and another recess in a buffer material adjacent to the second electrode.
19. A method for dielectric welding of a product comprising a plurality of layers of a dielectric material and an electrically-conductive member passing through at least one layer of the plurality of layers, the method comprising:
placing the plurality of layers between first and second electrodes with the electrically-conductive member projecting into a recess in an electrically non-conducting buffer material adjacent to one of the first and second electrodes;
compressing the plurality of layers between the first and second electrodes; and,
applying a high frequency welding potential between the first and second electrodes for a time sufficient to cause the plurality of layers to fuse in their portions between the first and second electrodes.
20. A method according to claim 19 wherein at least one of the electrodes is in an electrode assembly having a recessed portion that is recessed away from the other one of the electrodes and the method comprises urging one of the plurality of layers into the at least one recessed portion.
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/685,692 US20070164018A1 (en) | 2004-05-14 | 2007-03-13 | Dielectric welding methods |
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US57081704P | 2004-05-14 | 2004-05-14 | |
US11/128,277 US7208711B2 (en) | 2004-05-14 | 2005-05-13 | Dielectric welding methods and apparatus |
US11/685,692 US20070164018A1 (en) | 2004-05-14 | 2007-03-13 | Dielectric welding methods |
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US11/128,277 Division US7208711B2 (en) | 2004-05-14 | 2005-05-13 | Dielectric welding methods and apparatus |
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US11/685,692 Abandoned US20070164018A1 (en) | 2004-05-14 | 2007-03-13 | Dielectric welding methods |
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DE102005009699A1 (en) * | 2005-02-24 | 2006-09-07 | Bos Gmbh & Co. Kg | Protective device for a vehicle interior and method for producing a flexible sheet |
CN102358038B (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2013-10-23 | 苏州华日金菱机械有限公司 | High frequency current commutation device for medical bag production |
WO2023028303A1 (en) * | 2021-08-26 | 2023-03-02 | Teijin Automotive Technologies, Inc. | System and method of dielectric bonding |
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US3042101A (en) * | 1957-08-29 | 1962-07-03 | Shepard A Spunt | Dielectric welding device |
US4378396A (en) * | 1978-12-14 | 1983-03-29 | Munehjaru Urai | Seat cushion cover member |
US4451721A (en) * | 1979-09-10 | 1984-05-29 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Method for high frequency welding flangeless thermoplastic shells |
US4478669A (en) * | 1984-02-27 | 1984-10-23 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Adhesive bonded gun assembly for applying fastener |
US4778556A (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1988-10-18 | Unisys Corporation | Apparatus for correcting printed circuit boards |
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US20050023253A1 (en) * | 2001-04-17 | 2005-02-03 | Lincoln Global, Inc. | Electric arc welding system |
US6888088B2 (en) * | 2002-11-01 | 2005-05-03 | Jimmie Brooks Bolton | Hardfacing materials & methods |
-
2005
- 2005-05-13 US US11/128,277 patent/US7208711B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-03-13 US US11/685,692 patent/US20070164018A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US2895035A (en) * | 1957-04-04 | 1959-07-14 | Everett A Peterson | Heat sealing electrode die |
US3042101A (en) * | 1957-08-29 | 1962-07-03 | Shepard A Spunt | Dielectric welding device |
US4378396A (en) * | 1978-12-14 | 1983-03-29 | Munehjaru Urai | Seat cushion cover member |
US4451721A (en) * | 1979-09-10 | 1984-05-29 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Method for high frequency welding flangeless thermoplastic shells |
US4478669A (en) * | 1984-02-27 | 1984-10-23 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Adhesive bonded gun assembly for applying fastener |
US4778556A (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1988-10-18 | Unisys Corporation | Apparatus for correcting printed circuit boards |
US5196999A (en) * | 1989-07-13 | 1993-03-23 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Electrostatic levitation furnace |
US20050023253A1 (en) * | 2001-04-17 | 2005-02-03 | Lincoln Global, Inc. | Electric arc welding system |
US6888088B2 (en) * | 2002-11-01 | 2005-05-03 | Jimmie Brooks Bolton | Hardfacing materials & methods |
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US20050252896A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
US7208711B2 (en) | 2007-04-24 |
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